Mass. bill would license naturopathic doctors

The bill would require individuals who wish to portray themselves as naturopathic doctors to first become licensed by the Commonwealth.

To obtain a license, doctors will have to receive extensive training in a naturopathic program at an approved naturopathic medical college.

The bill would also create a naturopathy board to draft regulations for the safe practice of naturopathy.

The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians says naturopathic doctors work with their patients to prevent and treat acute and chronic illness and disease, restore health and establish optimal fitness by supporting an individual's self-healing process.

State Sen. Marc Pacheco, the chief sponsor, says the measure will provide needed oversight of practitioners of naturopathy.